Michael Lynn Cantley

1960 - 2024

Michael Lynn "Mike" Cantley, 64, a simple man, yet in the eyes of his family and friends, he was "the Man, the Myth, the Legend," departed this life to the land of which no traveler returns on September, 28, 2024, from Black River MUSC, Cades.

Mike was born the son of Robert Lynn Cantley and Carolyn Blakeley Cantley on June 16, 1960 in Georgetown, SC. He was the first born of six siblings: Roger, Timmy, Bruce, Jennifer and Steven. The Cantley family's strong faith was nurtured in the Elim United Methodist Church. He was a 1978 graduate of Williamsburg High School. He was a skilled flooring technician who worked as an independent contractor for many individuals and construction companies. He was proud of the small-town county life of which he was born and without hesitation served in the South Carolina National Guard from 1978 until 1988. But Mike's "green thumb" was the God-given talent that was revealed in his annual gardens. Mike cherished his opportunities to share his many homegrown quality vegetables with neighbors especially his delicious renowned collard greens for which people drove many miles just to have and serve to their families.

Michael's giant yet humble nature with both God and man defined "the Man". His skills and talents revealed with such mystery "the Myth." But nothing could describe Michael Cantley, "the Legend", like the expressions and emotions of which beamed from his eyes and rushed overwhelming through his heart when it came to family. He respectfully honored his mother, and lovingly cared for his younger siblings. However, when he heard the voice or saw the face of one of "his children", those 11 children and 9 grandchildren blessed to him by his siblings, this man of great strength and overpowering stature, "Uncle Mike", humbled instantly. They were his "heart-beat" and he was their hero. As each generation was born into the family, "Uncle Mike's" heart and arms kept growing larger in order to hold them all and so tirelessly strong he never had to let one go. He eternally holds: Chenelle "Kim" Bailey (James) and their children Ava and Walker; Morgan Cantley; Kyle Cantley (Jenna) and their children Kailee and Sadie; Kody Cantley (Nikki); Travis Cantley(Rebecca) and their children Alton and Maggie; Jerrica Cantley; Jordan Cantley(Brooks) and their child Mavis; Jared Strong (Joy) and their child Turner; Jenna Metzler (Sam); Miranda Harrelson (Owen) and their children Sawyer and the Gift arriving soon: and Eric Cantley (Kent).

His Legacy lives on in the memories of his loving mother: his siblings and their spouses, Roger Cantley (Kim), Timmy Cantley (Darlene), Bruce Cantley (Donna), Jennifer Strong (Randy), and Steven Cantley; his cherished "heart-beats"; his Aunt Anne Cantley, Uncle Lynwood "Pete" Byrdic (Lettie), and Uncle Bobby Blakeley; a large number of cousins; and many friends.

He was predeceased by his father.

A Celebration of Life will be Graveside, 1PM, Saturday, October 5, 2024, in the Elim United Methodist Church Cemetery, 8897 Thurgood Marshall Hwy., Andrews.

The Cantley family will receive family and friends from 5-8 PM on Friday evening, October 4, 2024, in the sanctuary of the Happy Home Original Freewill Baptist Church, 56 Big Dam Swamp Drive, Andrews, SC.

Memorials may be made to the Elim United Methodist Church, PO Box 856, Andrews, SC 29510.

A guestbook for Mr. Cantley is available on our website and our Facebook page for loving thoughts for the family.

McKenzie Funeral Home is honored to serve the Cantley family.